The Best Day Trips To Take Around Phoenix, Arizona

First off, PHOENIX IS HOT AS HELL. Lucky us, we enjoyed this desert city the first week of July. And if you would like to know what walking in a living oven feels like, by all means, follow us on tour for the chance to visit the country’s hottest, dryest, and most humid cities in the middle of the summer. Or if you’re traveling through looking for some adventurous ways to beat the heat, I’ve done my research and am not here to gatekeep. 

BEHOLD! How to be outside and not totally die in the summer heat in Phoenix!

These are the best day trips around Phoenix, AZ for any time of the year, enjoy :).

*As you can imagine AZ heat is no joke. If you do choose to adventure on in the middle of the summer, by golly, PLEASE bring your water and protect yourself from the sun. 

Phoenix Days Trips to Take Year Round

1. Paddle Board the Salt River and witness Wild Mustangs!

(My #1 Phoenix Day Trip)

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 2 1/2 hours drive

This was one of my favorite Phoenix day trips! I was a bit concerned knowing I was about to be in Phoenix during the hottest part of the summer but thanks to the Salt River I managed. Shockingly this is a summer option! After some research, my friends and I learned that the Salt River is a great place to go when rising temps are breaking the thermometers. I still wouldn’t suggest going at peak sun hours, but early morning or after 3 is perfect. They even have Full Moon Floats under the stars!

The most amazing part about this outdoor adventure is the fact that you can witness wild mustangs while SUP-ing. They hang out along the water’s edge, eating and wading in the water. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. If you only have time for one activity in Phoenix this has to be on your list.

We rented our stand-up paddle boards from AZ Kayaks and parked at Phon D Sutton, our ending point for the 2-hour float. Our starting point was at Blue Point. Contact AZ Kayaks for help with transportation or any questions about the outing. My guy Ethan was EXTREMELY helpful. As in, I like to know every detail before hopping in the car, type of helpful. 

2. Find Tonto Natural Bridge in Tonto Natural Bridge State Park

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 1 hour 45 minutes drive

Another hot weather adventure for outdoor enthusiasts is heading to Tonto Natural Bridge State Park near Payson. The trail is well-covered by trees and the elevation is high enough that the temperature drops considerably compared to the Phoenix city heat.  For nature enthusiasts, there are plenty of hiking trails around that are possible to do with the intense summer sun. But this is my favorite that we did. The Tonto Natural Bridge is far more impressive than the internet gives it credit for. It is the largest known natural travertine bridge in the world! Seeing as I didn’t know what a travertine bridge was, and maybe you don’t either, I shall explain. It is a large bridge made of limestone near a mineral springs. And this one happens to make you feel like a tiny ant. So awesome. We went in the early afternoon and felt comfortable throughout this shorter hike. Bring your water! The hike is about a 1.5-mile loop but is not considered easy. You’ll be climbing over rocks and on uneven terrain, it should take you a bit under an hour. 

3. Head to Sedona for a Quick Phoenix Day Trip

TIME FROM PHOENIX: Just under 2 hours

The place of vortex yoga, healing crystals, and great hiking trails to red rock formations. Even if you’re not into the frou frou stuff, heading to Sedona is an easy choice for a day trip from Phoenix. Let me be dramatic for a second, Sedona is the place to heal your soul. The saturated red of the cliffs of Slide Rock State Park set against a backdrop of lush green forests makes you question where you are in the world.

Thankfully this town, a two-hour drive north of Phoenix, knows how to host their guests. There are amazing dining options and my personal favorite, PINK JEEP TOURS. As you may (or may not) know I work in a circus. So the typical “exciting” family tour can fall flat for baseline thrill expectations. Pink Jeep Tours got my heart pumping. It was an amazing way to see a handful of jaw-dropping views while respecting the terrain in a very impressive car. I had a Jeep back in the day. And the most exciting thing it experienced was a Chicago snowstorm. 

4. Check out Water Wheel Falls

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 1 hour 45 minutes drive

Add this hike to your outdoor activities list. My boyfriend and I had a list of trails we wanted to try that claimed to be near enough to water to cool off if the sun became too much. Water Wheel Falls was a perfect option for us. I wish we had packed a picnic because the area was perfect for it, big flat rocks next to a pool of ice-cold water to dip in meant we were able to stay for a while. But when I say cold, I mean I used the water for a mid-day ice bath session, #cantstopwontstop.

 It wasn’t the prettiest of hikes to get to, however, the area to wander around once we arrived was perfect to explore for the afternoon. This is a kid-friendly hike to a handful of beautiful cascades. If you don’t want to hike with food, the parking lot at the trailhead has plenty of picnic tables to enjoy a lunch before or after your sunny stroll. The entire hike is over 17 miles but from the parking lot to the cascades, was just over a mile. This area is in Tonto National Forest which requires each car to pay $10 which can be paid in cash. This hike is dog-friendly but dogs must be leashed. 

5. Tube Down the Salt River

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 2 1/2 hours drive

Now, I did not float the salt river as I decided I wanted to partake in the Stand-up Paddle Boarding. However, there was a big group from the cast that decided to day trip out to the river to float and enjoy the sun and a little bevy. They rented their tubes from Salt River Tubing, and had a smooth experience. Once again, everything that I mentioned for the paddle boarding in numero uno stands for this day trip as well. I can’t explain how beautiful it was to see the wild horses while leisurely floating down the river. They are used to humans being around but do not go up to them as they are wild. This is your warning to not get kicked in the head. Also, word on the street is that a two-hour float is more than enough floating fun. The float starts to get a bit long if you decide to do the whole river which will take you about 4 hours. There are lots of different starting and ending points but Ubers are few and far between so plan accordingly!

The biggest thing to note about floating the salt river is that you do not need your own equipment. There are multiple companies providing rentals but if you rent from Salt River Tubing you can use their shuttle service to get to the drop-off point. Make sure you grab one of their bucket tubes to store all things liquid.

6. Grand Canyon National Park

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 3 1/2 hours drive

How can the majestic Grand Canyon not make this list of great day trips from Phoenix? Considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a highly frequented day trip from Phoenix. If you decide to make a trip out to Sedona you can push another 2 hours in the car and experience the Grand Canyon as well! Even better, depending on which rim you’re itching to see, each scenic drive gives you something to feast your eyes on. If you want those iconic Grand Canyon views, you’re going to want to check out the most popular attractions on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

If you’ve seen the Grand Canyon from the South Rim, read up on checking out the Grand Canyon from the West Rim HERE.

On this drive, you can go through Flagstaff and enjoy some forest views (be careful on 180 in the winter), through Cameron to see some Native American culture and desert scenery, or keep it simple and do the fastest route via Williams. The North Rim I wouldn’t consider a day trip as it’s pushing 7 hours but hey, to each their own! If you do decide to enjoy the serenity that the North Rim provides, know that the North Rim is only open from mid-May to October. 

7. Oak Creek Canyon

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 2 hours drive

If you want some impressive scenic beauty but don’t want to take a longer drive to the Grand Canyon, may I suggest the winding road to Oak Creek Canyon? It needs to be on your US Bucket List. Located in the Coconino National Forest, Oak Creek Canyon is part of one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Perfectly paired after a long day in Sedona or Flagstaff. You can reach this treasure by exiting Sedona and heading north to Flagstaff or by exiting Flagstaff south via Interstate 17. The drive between Sedona and Flagstaff is a quick 30 miles on State Road 89A, sprinkled with plenty of photo opportunities. Oak Creek Vista cannot be missed.

Oak Creek Canyon might not be the tourist drawing spectacle of the Grand Canyon but it has been referred to as the “mini Grand Canyon” and the “smaller cousin of the Grand Canyon.” How cute! Highly underrated and often missed as a perfect Phoenix day trip. Oak Creek Canyon is a river gorge with a refreshing look of treed landscape and hanging cliffs. A sharp contrast to the unique red rock formations of the Sedona so close by. A place with a mixed personality of biodiversity that enchants every person who bears witness.

8. Apache Trail

TIME FROM PHOENIX: Just over 2 hours drive

Take a scenic drive through the Apache Trail. This 42-mile stretch along Arizona State Route 88 is a beautiful drive complete with goldmines, 3 man-made lakes, ghost towns, and countless gorgeous views. The route winds itself through the Tonto National Forest and the Superstition Mountains. The trail gained its name from the Apache Indians navigating those same mountains you can admire on the drive.

Keep in mind that half the drive is unpaved (but well maintained) so if you’re planning on taking your RV you might want to consider a rental but any reliable car should do the trick. BEWARE: if you get carsick this might not be the day trip for you. No shame! One of the most impressive parts of this drive is between the Tortilla Flat and Fish Creek. After ascending slightly into the Sonoran desert the drive plunges 1,500 feet in 3 miles. Heck to the yea! If you can keep your lunch in your stomach, you should be able to get some sick (pun intended) photos. 

 9. Check out some of the Historic Towns

Williams

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 2 hours 36 minutes drive

If you feel like turning your Phoenix day trip into an overnight stay, let Williams be your base as you make your way to the Grand Canyon South Rim. Known for being home to the final stretch of Route 66, this small town of 3,000 is an adorable stopover. The main drag is a National Historic District that has unique antique shops selling handmade crafts and old-fashioned knickknacks, an old-fashioned soda fountain to get your sugar kick, and classic diners to grab a burger and shake. Williams is a step back in an era of simpler times. Most importantly, save some time to take the 2 1/2-hour trip on the Grand Canyon Railway. The train goes from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon floating over picturesque desert views. You’ll be more than comfortable on your ride with a dining car, an observation car, and a gift shop. Not to mention the cowboy characters and live music to keep things interesting. 

Tombstone

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 2 hours 45 minutes

Dubbed the town “too tough to die”, the city of Tombstone offers visitors a chance into the Wild West of the 1800s. It’s a little town where you can easily kill an afternoon. If you suddenly feel the strong urge to buy cowboy boots, ’tis the place to indulge! Besides shopping, there are historical saloons where you can grab a pint and daily historical gunfight shows to see how the raucous took place back in the day. When you’ve had your fill of people pretending to shoot each other, mine tours, and museums, check out Longhorn Restaurant for lunch. It’s the place to be.

Bisbee

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 3 hours 11 minutes

If visiting a historic town sounds like your personal snoozefest, check out Bisbee. Though this town maintains its quirky mining town charm it is anything but JUST an old mining town. It’s transformed itself into a haven for the arts. You still get the mine tours but if you’d rather wander through a gallery or shop for a unique piece of jewelry, you have that option as well. And if you find yourself wanting to spend the night, Bisbee is known to have some interesting accommodation choices. There’s paranormal activity happening at The Copper Queen Hotel. vintage airstream trailers available, a school bus, and even a boat. So really…Bisbee has something for all flavors of travelers.

Yuma

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 2 hours 45 minutes

Yuma made its spot in history during the California Gold Rush when the Yuma Crossing was used as a way to hop over the Colorado River to get into California. But in the modern day, people know this place as holding the Guinness Book of World Records for being the “Sunniest City on Earth”. And on that bright note, this place is also known for its preserved correctional facility that gives a great insight into the societal beliefs of the time. Some of the very first inmates were used to construct their holding cells. The prison is a state historical park and a great excuse to visit Yuma and spend the rest of the day shopping and eating. 

10. Antelope Canyon

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 4 hours drive

A bit far for a day trip from Phoenix but if you pushed and are a touch crazy, you can make your Antelope Day Trip Dreams come true.

Even if you don’t know Antelope Canyon, you probably know Antelope Canyon. This place is a photographer’s dream spot. With the deep cuts of the canyon being illuminated by the mid-day sun, you can get some amazing shots of the orange, yellow, and pink hues of the sandstone walls. Antelope Canyon does require some planning ahead since you are not allowed to venture there alone. You must have a permit and be a part of a guided tour to witness this natural beauty. If you plan on hiking, the Upper Antelope Canyon is the way to go if you’re a beginner hiker or your knees like to yell at you. If you find joy in huffing and puffing, Lower Antelope Canyon will be your spot. And if you would like to extend the beautiful torture, check out Page Rimview Trail which goes on for nearly 10 miles. 

11. Lake Havasu

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 3 hours 8 minutes drive

A little Phoenix day trip complete with an adorable story…

Have you ever dreamt of walking across the once-fallen London Bridge?? I hadn’t, BUT then again, I didn’t know it was possible! Funny story, in 1967 a Lake Havasu local bought the remnants of the London Bridge and had it shipped to the States. He then had it rebuilt to span across the Colorado River. Some people buy Legos to build, others buy literal broken bridges. The London Bridge isn’t the only thing to see here. Besides the obvious water activities (Lake Havasu is well known for great bass-fishing if that’s your thing), you can take a hot air balloon ride or even go sky diving. And for our nature lovers, after a day well spent enjoying the trails around you can spend the night in Lake Havasu State Park in a camping site or in one of their beautifully serene waterfront cabins.

12. Red Rock State Park

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 1 hour 55 minutes drive

It’s been a few years since I’ve trodded through the Red Rock State Park but the memories prevail. A common local getaway with good reason. I’m not going to say this park doesn’t get hot in the summer (it’s still Arizona) but because of its high elevation at 4,500 feet, the temperatures are much easier to handle. This is a great option to get out of the house and get some fresh air without being immediately melted by the sun. Red Rock State Park has endless scenic views of Sedona that never get old. Something to note, Sedona does experience a monsoon season. Nothing to freight, the heavy rains are short and usually in the afternoon. But with this said, make sure you have some good climbing/hiking shoes because the rocks can get slippery when wet. 

13. Camelback Mountain

TIME FROM PHOENIX: 20 minutes drive

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure near the Phoneix Area, Camelback Mountian is a great option. Though, deemed a popular tourist destination, I didn’t find that it took away from the experience. Yes, there are lots of people. However, if you treat it like most good hikes, if you go early enough in the morning, you can avoid most crowds. Located just 20 minutes from Downtown Phoenix, the hike is close and is a good challenge for experienced hikers. When you summit the mountain you’re rewarded with beautiful 360-degree views of the city.

You have two difficult options, the first being Cholla Trail and Echo Canyon Trail. Both trails take about 2-3 hours. Dogs are prohibited from both trails so you’ll have to leave Sparky at home. The main difference between the trails is that Cholla starts more traditionally in the first mile and then ramps up into climbing and maneuvering large rock faces. Whereas Echo Canyon Trail jumps quicker into the steep and rocky ascent. Both trails are for an experienced hiker so if you are looking for a a nice nature walk, this won’t be your ideal hike.